Gender-Affirming Care Ban Harms our Cities and Our Children

Gender-Affirming Care Ban Harms our Cities and Our Children

Published on November 22, 2024

Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued its 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scores, examining how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are in cities and towns across the country. Many Ohio cities lost points in this influential index as a result of the Ohio State Legislature's recent ban on age-appropriate, medically necessary health care for transgender youth.

Although the cities of Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo are proud to offer transgender-inclusive health care benefits to their employees and their dependents, the state's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth prevents young people from accessing these benefits. As a result, these cities received fewer points on this important measure of LGBTQ inclusion.

While several Ohio cities were able to maintain strong scores thanks to local policies and services that empower and support LGBTQ+ residents, the harm of the state's anti-trans law goes beyond scorecards; it affects health care access, business attraction, tourism and reputation in cities throughout Ohio - and worst of all - it harms children and families who call Ohio cities home.

A 2023 study by HRC found that 42.9% of LGBTQ+ adults in Ohio said they would move or try to move to a different state if Ohio were to pass or enact a ban on gender-affirming care. Furthermore, legislation discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals is opposed by Ohioans and hundreds of major U.S. corporations. Although Governor Mike DeWine vetoed the gender-affirming care ban, the state legislature acted to override his veto in 2024 and brought the discriminatory law to fruition. Moreover, Ohio Senate Bill 104, an anti-trans bathroom ban, is poised to become law in the state.

"These laws and proposals serve no purpose other than to encourage hate and exclusion," said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther of Columbus, which maintained its 100-point score. "While our city does everything we can to empower and lift up all our youth, the state law prevents parents in our city from making health care decisions for and with their child."

"As mayors, we play a powerful role in protecting our LGBTQ+ communities, even in the face of discriminatory legislation and harmful rhetoric," said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "In Cleveland, we are focused on maintaining existing local protections, expanding youth mental health services, building a pipeline to housing for vulnerable populations and promoting inclusive health care, education and employment practices. While I am pleased that Cleveland has maintained our 100-point MEI score, we know we have work to do, and that work is ongoing."

"Toledo is proud to champion welcoming and inclusive policies that empower individuals and families to make their own choices. Our consistently strong rankings in studies like these are a testament to that commitment," said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.

"Akron is proud to offer gender-affirming care, including hormonal therapy and surgical benefits to our employees," said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. "A recent study found that 82% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation. It's clear: gender-affirming care saves lives. Offering these important benefits has helped ensure that for seven of the last eight years, Akron has earned a perfect 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index, and we will continue to aim for that goal each year."

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